It doesn't matter how much you read... if you don't observe and interact with people, you will never understand Socionics. In order to properly grasp even the basics, you have to have a large database of interpersonal experiences to draw from, and you have to continuously observe interactions among others and yourself. That is why I do not think it's possible to truly understand the concepts behind Socionics articles, models, definitions, and descriptions until you have accurately typed yourself, or at least know which IM Elements you value.

It doesn't matter how much you read... if you don't observe and interact with people, you will never understand Socionics. In order to properly grasp even the basics, you have to have a large database of interpersonal experiences to draw from, and you have to continuously observe interactions among others and yourself. That is why I do not think it's possible to truly understand the concepts behind Socionics articles, models, definitions, and descriptions until you have accurately typed yourself, or at least know which IM Elements you value.

Yes, everything you wrote here is how I experience things too. Reading is necessary but you need to experience a lot to interprete everything right.

My problem and mistype had to do with being around a slew of caregivers and a very particular environment where a large aspect of my real self was "unneeded", and as such, I developed alternate measure of interaction. I had the theory down well - so well I easily convinced everyone to type me as an LII on the benchmark project.

So as far as accuracy is concerned, real life definitely outweighs theory.

It seems it is essential, especially at first, but all throughout the socionics process, to keep updating your reference points as you understand more information and compare it more with reality.